Foreign Minister Kaljurand emphasises need for EU unity in response to British referendum

28.06.2016

Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand spoke to her French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault over the phone today regarding the implications of the British referendum on membership of the European Union and about the unity and future of the union itself. In recent days she has also been in contact with colleagues in Germany, the Nordic countries and the Baltic States.

Kaljurand stressed that the European Union must act as one following the decision made by the people of Britain in the referendum. “The unity of the EU is of crucial importance in terms of the future,” she said. “In withdrawal negotiations the union must adopt a position on which we are all agreed – one that should not be based on punishing the British. The United Kingdom is and will remain one of our key partners and allies.”

Kaljurand said that is understandable that the United Kingdom needs time. “The next steps in regard to withdrawal negotiations must be taken without unnecessary delay, but also without unnecessary pressure,” she said.